Has anyone else noticed that the http://www.toonopedia.com/ web site has not been updated since February? The "Today in Toons" page lists the date as Friday, February 12, 1911. I used to check this web site a couple of times a week, and there was always someting new. Did something happen to Dan Markstein?

I haven't looked at it in a while, I used to check it regularly for updates but it began to look like he was taking a break. A lot of his recent entries have been pretty obscure, I think he's running out of decent toons to write articles about.

Hi gang, I just got this message on a Yahoo group about Don, it's not good...

"In May Merlin Haas on another board relayed this bad newsas posted by Don's wife on her Facebook page:

"Don's been through hell lately. In February, he had a stroke andsuffered minor deficits. At that time he was asked to participate in astudy where a stent is placed into an artery in the brain in hopes oflessening future strokes. Three days later he had a massive stroke andanother brain surgery. He is mentally alert but his left side isparalyzed and he has a trachea tube and a feeding tube directly into hisstomach. He has suffered many infections and pneumonia since which isdelaying his becoming strong enough to handle the various therapies heis going to require. He writes on a dry erase board with some difficultyand is trying to talk with a speaking valve in place. He's in reasonablygood spirits and is just grumpy enough.

I'm taking care of a stroke victim (my wife), so I sent GiGi a friend request. Assuming she will approve the friend request, I'll pass on what I learn if and when it seem appropriate. Don has an uphill battle ahead, but I suspect he has a strong will which is a good thing. Good thoughts for him certainly couldn't hurt.

The Toonopedia has been down for at least four days and it is hard to say if and when it will be available again. Don Markstein has more pressing problems. Unfortunately, I can't give you an update on his health prospects.

Hi Gang,I just got this update from Don's wife through the grapevine and wanted to pass it along.Note the new mailing address -

DON MARKSTEIN UPDATE: edited letter from his wife to a friend

Friday, November 25, 2011 12:01 AM

Thank you for your concern about Don's situation. It means so much to Don to have people remember him. It's been very rough for Don. After his stroke in late March, he suffered from every hospital borne infection imaginable. He has some very low-end insurance so he gets minimal care. After a series of hospitals and rehab centers he now resides at Capri at the Point, 1501 E. Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ. Room #104.

He is lucid but completely paralyzed on his left side. He is breathing through a hole in his throat and being fed by tube directly into his stomach. His spirits are surprisingly good for someone who has so few ways to alleviate the boredom. He can talk with great effort when they have a speaking valve in place but it causes him troubles and they don't like him to use it very much and pretty much only when he has visitors.

I visit and read to him. Current reading is Wicked, the story of the wicked witch of the west. I'll be ordering the sequels for Christmas. He likes to listen to the classical music stations and he delights in visits from his grandchildren.

The realization he could no longer continue contributing to the Toonopedia site has been difficult.Cards and letters from old friends would be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for your concern. If his situation changes I will let you know.